Sandon Smith leads Newcastle to grand final with two-try display

Sandon Smith scored two tries as Newcastle beat Penrith 22-14 to reach the NRL grand final, becoming only the second halfback after Andrew Johns to lead the Knights into the decider. Smith’s performance helped Newcastle overcome Penrith in a preliminary final that changed after Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary suffered a serious ankle injury. His first try came from a quick opportunity, while his second was a late intercept that sealed Newcastle’s first grand-final appearance in 25 years.

Smith said he was proud of the achievement but rejected comparisons with Johns, Newcastle’s greatest player and a central figure in the club’s 1997 and 2001 premierships. Johns watched the match as a commentator and became emotional after Smith’s decisive score. The halfback also helped create the break that led to Dominic Young’s try and forced a late error from Penrith.

He said the result was difficult to describe because of its importance to the city and supporters. Newcastle will play the Sydney Roosters in the grand final. Smith joined the Knights this year after playing for the Roosters from 2023 to 2025, moving in search of more starting opportunities after the Roosters signed Daly Cherry-Evans.

He said there was no resentment towards his former club and that he now considered himself a Knight. Smith has played at halfback, five-eighth and as a bench utility this season while adapting to the absence of injured Dylan Brown. He credited coach Justin Holbrook with encouraging him to remain patient and be ready when his opportunity arrived.

The grand final will give Smith the chance to face his former teammates while Newcastle pursues a premiership. He said he would embrace the week and focus on the match rather than its personal history.